Osage Nation Utility Authority Meeting

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Board Meeting
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OSAGE NATION UTILTY AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

Date: 31 March 2026

 

Time: 9am CST

 

Location:  TELECONFERENCE

Dial-in Number: 1-302-202-1110
Conference Code: 531529

 

 

  1. Call to Order 

 

  1. Prayer: Gary Burd

  2. Roll Call: Mike Wellner present were; Paul, Mike, Gary all here. Guest: None

 

  1. Safety Message: Paul Bemore – 

 

  1. Approve Meeting Agenda; Motioned by seconded by, no discussion. All in favor. All Approved

  2. Approve February 26, 2026 Minutes; Motion to approve by, seconded by, No Discussion, All Approved.

  3. Old Business – 

 

  1. New Business 

 

 

  1. SWOT work Session with Amber Le Roy, Osage Nation Strategic Planning Department to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

  2. Executive Session – None

 

Strengths (Internal)

  • General:  What internal resources and legal powers does the Utility Authority currently possess that help strengthen the Nation and/or its economic development strategies?

  • Revenue Independence: Are the established fees sufficient to fund the Authority’s operations without relying solely on general tribal funds?

Weaknesses (Internal)

  • General: Where, if anywhere, do you feel the Authority lacks expertise, budget, or infrastructure?

  • Opportunities (External)

  • General: are there external trends or legal shifts that you see as opportunities for the work you are doing?

  • Sovereignty Expansion: Are there ways you are using your authority to establish Tribal broadband or green energy standards that prioritize Tribal needs over state interests?

  • Inter-agency Collaboration: Are you currently working with programs like the the ON Utility Assistance Program to ensure regulated vendors are providing fair rates to Tribal members?

  • Economic Development: Could you use your "licensing and registration" power to incentivize Native-owned utility contractors to work on the reservation?

  • Grant Funding: Are there federal opportunities (like LIHEAP or Water Assistance) that the Utility Authority can or does take advantage of?

Threats (External)

  • General: What outside forces, if any,  could hinder your authority?

  • Are there state or federal agencies that challenge your "scope of authority" over non-Tribal entities? 

  • Is there anything, in your view, that discourages essential utility providers from operating within Tribal jurisdiction?

  • Have any major utility providers refused to register or pay "established fees"?

 

  1.   Announcements - 

    1. Next Meeting; April 23, 2026

 

  1. Motion to adjourn.  

    1. Motioned to adjourn by, seconded by. No discussion and all in favor to adjourn at am.